NEWS

Altpress has exclusively learned that embattled Emarosa and Dance Gavin Dance vocalist Jonny Craig has checked himself into a North Hollywood detox facility to receive treatment for the drug addictions that have plagued him for several years. Rise Records and Artery Foundation Artist Management have assumed financial responsibility for the internet fraud Craig committed during the past year, and which became public during the past two weeks.

Former Tides Of Man vocalist Tilian Pearson will fill in for Craig on Emarosa's current tour with Chiodos. All Dance Gavin Dance performances scheduled beginning next month will go on as planned.

Craig Ericson of Rise and Eric Rushing of the Artery Foundation provided us with this joint statement:

"In regards to Jonny Craig; Jonny has checked himself into a professional detox treatment facility located in North Hollywood, CA. His addiction needed immediate attention and with the help from MusiCares, we were able to make it happen. Rise Records and Artery Management will reimburse all people who Jonny took advantage of financially. No one will be getting ripped off and we'd all like to issue a public apology to anyone who had been taken advantage of. Regarding live performances: the Emarosa/Chiodos tour will continue as planned with Tilian Pearson (former vocalist of Tides of Man) filling in for Jonny. All scheduled Dance Gavin Dance shows will happen as planned next month and beyond. Everyone from his team wishes Jonny the best in his recovery. We’re all looking forward to the new and improved Jonny."

Jonny Craig's struggles with drug addiction have been well-documented and often thrust into public awareness. Problems stemming from his substance abuse surfaced when he was kicked out of Dance Gavin Dance in 2007, after which he joined Emarosa. But after claiming he had cleaned up, he was brought back into DGD last year to create a follow-up to their debut, Downtown Battle Mountain.

In January, the vocalist said that he would be taking a "very very very long hiatus" and that all of his upcoming tours and recording plans would be canceled. Later, Rise Records clarified that he was only referring to his solo project.

Earlier this month, reports began to surface from fans who purchased MacBooks from the vocalist through postings he made on Twitter. None of the fans ever received the goods that Craig accepted payments for, typically between $600 and $800. Up until now, Craig maintained his innocence and alleged that he had been the victim of an elaborate identity theft. Emarosa canceled their appearance last night in Buffalo, New York, but Pearson revealed that he would be taking over for Craig in the immediate future.

We wish Craig the best in his recovery, but we want to know: Does this news change your opinion of Jonny Craig at all? Do you have a message for him?